Representing the 9th District of Florida

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U.S. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) announced today that Winter Haven Municipal Airport Gilbert Field (GIF) in Polk County is the recipient of a $2,493,952 discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to install runway lighting and rehabilitate the runway infrastructure.

“This is great news for Winter Haven and all of Central Florida,” stated Rep. Soto. “The Winter Haven Municipal Airport (GIF) is already an essential part of our community, connecting our local economy to statewide markets. As our region continues to grow and welcome a larger number of yearly visitors, we must be prepared to meet the increasing flight needs of our state. These federal funds will go towards critical improvements to the Winter Haven Airport’s facilities.”

For over 50 years, Winter Haven has been the single largest location of seaplane training in the country. The airport supports over 80,000 flight operations per year and various aeronautical activates. For more information on the federal grant, click here.